Detroit Public Schools police imposter arrested in Ferndale

FERNDALE, MI — When a Ferndale police officer pulled a man over Wednesday, the speeder presented himself as a fellow law enforcement officer. The suspect, Maurice Lawson, now faces jail time for being a fraud.

The stop occurred about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday near 8 Mile and Livernois.

"When the officer approached the pick-up truck, he noticed the driver wore a badge around his neck," Ferndale police said in a release. "The badge was attached to a leather backing and chain like that used by plain clothes officers."

Although Lawson attempted to convince the Ferndale officer he worked for Detroit Public Schools Public Safety, he could not provide any ID.

"The Ferndale officer became suspicious and arrested Lawson for not having a license on him," police said. "Further investigation showed that Lawson is not nor ever was a police officer."

Handcuffs and a hunting knife were also found in the driver's-side door.

Lawson has since been charged with unlawful possession of a police badge, a 93-day misdemeanor; and carrying concealed weapon, a 5-year felony.